With each rereading, I find that Yann Martel’s breakthrough novel Life of Pi (published in 2001) provides more to discover within the original voice of its narrator. Pi is endlessly optimistic despite the tragedy that leaves him orphaned from his family. His knowledge of the natural world provides a slim thread of plausibility to his tale about being stranded on a boat with four animals. Also, his faith as an Islamic Christian Hindu focuses on peace and inclusivity for all (it’s the agnostics, Pi says, that confuse him because they won’t make a choice).
Continue reading “Life of Pi – Broadway’s Schoenfeld Theater (7/18/23)”Broadway
Year in Review—2019’s Best Musicals
#1. Six (Chicago Shakespeare)
I was skeptical about a rock musical starring the wives of Henry VIII until I learned that my friend’s teenage daughters were already devoted fans. Six (like Hamilton before it) is a testament to the power of using reimagined history to tell a story that reflects our contemporary world. Every song is a winner—particularly “Don’t Lose Ur Head” and “All You Wanna Do”—in this fun, inventive musical with a powerful feminist conclusion.
NEW YORK SHOWS — 12/21/19 & 12/22/19
Greater Clements
Samuel Hunter sits among my favorite playwrights based on the strength of The Whale and Pocatello. One can make a sure bet that a Hunter play will build to a mesmerizing, semi-tragic climax as characters push themselves beyond their own limitations.
theater in chicago reviews 